The Monaco French Riviera offers a prime starting point for yacht adventures between Nice and the Italian border. This coastline enjoys over 300 sunny days each year and stretches more than 115 km. Monaco is known for its marina, luxury yachts, casino, and Formula One races. From Port Hercules, visitors can book yachts or powerboats to explore nearby towns and beaches. Companies like Monaco Yacht Rentals provide a wide range of vessels for day charters. Guests can choose crewed trips or self-drive options. Monaco boat rentals feature spacious decks, modern gear, and room for six to eight passengers. Renting a boat makes it easy to skip traffic and see the Riviera by sea.
Why Rent a Yacht from Monaco?
Monaco is ideal as a yacht departure point. The country has a deep-water harbor full of yachts. Its central location on the Riviera makes it easy to reach many nearby stops. For example, Nice’s Port Lympia (west of Monaco) offers boat tours that reach Monaco on one end and Saint-Tropez on the other. In other words, Monaco is connected by sea to the main Riviera towns. A charter from Monaco lets you visit those towns on your own schedule.
Renting a boat here means enjoying freedom and privacy. You can anchor in quiet coves or dock in town marinas. Compared to ferries or tours, a private charter gives more flexibility. Most charters include safety gear, fuel, and often snorkeling masks or paddleboards. Guests can bring food and drinks onboard or stop ashore for a meal. In short, a boat rental from Monaco turns a day trip into a mini marine adventure.
Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap-Ferrat
Just east of Nice lies the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, centered on a stunning deepwater bay. The historic village here is built on cliffs above a colorful old port. Boats love Villefranche’s bay for its calm anchorage and clear water. Stop here to swim, snorkel, or walk the seaside streets. The steep slopes are dotted with pastel houses and beach cafes. If anchored off the bay, you can dinghy ashore and enjoy lunch by the water.
Further along the coast is Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a small peninsula famed for luxury villas and gardens. From the sea you’ll see private estates and a tiny white lighthouse on Cap Ferrat’s tip. Ferrat’s only beach is secluded and “exclusive,” surrounded by rocky coves. On the boat you get a great view of the grand villas of celebrities and tycoons. Many charters cruise completely around Cap Ferrat. From the stern deck you can spot emerald bays and yacht-dotted inlets. After rounding Ferrat, you can anchor off a quiet cove or return to Villefranche as the sun sets.
Nice and Antibes
Nice is the Riviera’s largest city and an easy port of call by yacht. Its historic harbor is small but full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. From Nice you can see the long Promenade des Anglais and the city’s skyline. A short stop lets you stroll through the pastel-painted Old Town, which has a famous daily market and many cafes. The harbor-side has been renovated with colorful arches and seafood restaurants. You could also anchor nearby and take a tender to the Quai des Etats-Unis.
West of Nice is Cap d’Antibes and the town of Antibes. The famous Fort Carré guards Cap d’Antibes’s entrance. Antibes itself is a classic Riviera town with winding streets and restaurants. From your yacht you’ll see its busy marinas and local fishermen on the quay. For lunch, you might dock at Port Vauban or the harbour in Juan-les-Pins. Along the way, the manicured lawns of Cap d’Antibes lead down to the sea. If you continue west, you’ll pass by Cannes (see below) or turn back for other stops.
Cannes and the Lérins Islands
About 30 km west of Monaco lies Cannes, the resort known for its film festival and beachfront boulevard. It’s a longer hop by boat (around 1–1.5 hours at speed), but many charters make the crossing. Docking in Cannes lets you walk La Croisette or visit the Ile Sainte-Marguerite just offshore. In fact, the Iles de Lérins (two forested islands) sit just 15 minutes by boat from Cannes’s old port.
The larger island, Ile Sainte-Marguerite, has shady pine woods and a fortress. The smaller Ile Saint-Honorat holds an old monastery and even vineyards. Charter boats often anchor between the two for snorkeling or calm swimming. Anchoring here gives excellent protection from wind. From the boat you may sip wine on deck and watch the sunset over the Esterel hills. A day trip to Cannes and the Lérins is perfect for beachside dining and island strolling before heading back to Monaco in the evening.
Hidden Gems: Eze, Menton and More
Beyond the main harbors, the Riviera has smaller spots worth a visit. East of Monaco is the village of Eze. Its medieval town perches high on a cliff. You can anchor at tiny Eze-sur-Mer and stroll up to the village castle for panoramic views. This climb is famous, but even from sea level you can see the hilltop houses.
Farther east is Menton, a French-Italian town known as a “city of gardens.” Menton has citrus gardens and palm promenades. It lies just before the Italian border. It only takes 30 minutes or so to reach Menton by boat from Monaco. In Menton you can visit its old port or sip a drink on the pebble beach.
Other quiet spots include Cap d’Ail’s red-pebble Plage Mala, the dunes of La Turbie, or the hidden coves near Beaulieu-sur-Mer. At each stop, yachts anchor out and guests swim or walk ashore. These lesser-known harbors let you skip the crowds and enjoy nature. Be aware that some small coves have no quay, so a tender or swim may be needed to reach the beach.
Onboard Experience and Activities
A typical day trip on a Monaco-rented yacht blends sea travel and beach time. Most boats have a spacious deck for sunbathing. You can lounge on padded cushions or a sun pad while sailing along the coast. As you cruise, an onboard music system lets you play your playlist or just enjoy the engine’s hum.
All charters include life jackets and usually snorkeling masks or floats. At a good swimming spot, the crew will anchor and let you swim. Guests often jump off the stern platform into clear blue water. Many charters also have inflatable paddleboards or rings. You can paddle around the anchored boat or snorkel among the fish.
For lunch, yachts typically provide an icebox or fridge. Guests often bring a picnic: fresh bread, local cheeses, and wine. On calmer days, the skipper might stop near a quiet beach and set up a floating swim platform. You can also pull into a port for a seaside meal. For example, in Villefranche or Antibes you might drop anchor and enjoy seafood at a dockside cafe.
Safety and comfort come first. The crew (if you have one) handles anchoring and docking. They know the best coves to drop anchor. On small boats (bareboat rentals), you must have a boating license or skippered option. Crewed charters are ideal for parties who want to relax and explore without worry.
Booking Tips and Timing
To plan a great yacht day trip, consider the season and booking details. The busiest months are July–August. In these peak times, it is best to book at least a month in advance. Outside July–August, you may find more availability and lower prices.
Early morning departures avoid afternoon winds. In summer, the Mistral wind can pick up in the afternoon. Starting at 9–10 AM gives a calm cruise along the coast. A typical day charter runs 6–8 hours. Check if fuel, skipper, and amenities (like snorkeling gear) are included in the price.
If you rent without a skipper, make sure you or a friend is licensed. Many visitors prefer to hire a skipper. That way you can sip wine or relax without handling the boat. Monaco Yacht Rentals and similar firms usually list whether a skipper is optional.
Finally, always confirm or contact the itinerary with the charter company. Some small spots may have restrictions. Your skipper or host can recommend the best route for your group’s interests.
Memorable Riviera Day Trips
The French Riviera’s coastline from Monaco to Menton, Nice, and Cannes is full of variety. A day trip lets you see sandy beaches, mountain villages, and yacht harbors all in one afternoon. On board, the gentle sea breeze and panoramic views create a relaxed mood. By visiting spots like Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, Nice, or the Lérins Islands, each day feels unique.
For example, you might spend the morning cruising past Monte Carlo’s skyline and anchor off Villefranche for lunch. In the afternoon, sail around Cap Ferrat’s cliffs and swim at a hidden cove. Another trip could head west: tour Antibes’s yacht marina, then glide on to the Lerins Islands for sunset. Every route on Monaco’s doorstep offers something different.
Renting a boat in Monaco transforms these destinations into a personal tour. You control the pace. You choose where to dive in or linger. When you return to Port Hercules, you’ll have seen more coastline than on a land tour. With Monaco yacht rentals, the Côte d’Azur’s charm is yours for the day from turquoise bays to hilltop villages – all at your own pace.